US demand for asphalt approaches 28 million tons

US asphalt demand is forecast to increase 3.7% annually to
27.9 million tons (MMt) in 2017. This is equivalent to 154
million bbl of primary asphalt, the vast majority of which is
refined petroleum asphalt. Demand for asphalt is expected to
advance from its low 2012 base, spurred by growth in spending
on highway and road construction and building construction, the two largest
markets. However, asphalt demand in 2017 will not reach the
level seen in 2007. Rising use of recycled asphalt pavement
(RAP) and increasing interest in rehabilitating and repairing
older or worn surfaces (instead of building new roads) will
serve as a check on asphalt demand advances. These findings are
in a study by The Freedonia Group.

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